We are a group of veterans dedicated to preserving the memory of the Cold War. Asking for recognition for the "Cold Warriors", so long forgotten. We are also reaching out to all our brother and sister veterans. We are asking Congress to authorize a Cold War Victory Medal to all who served honorably during the Cold War, from 1945 to 1991

Sunday, January 25, 2009

A Call To Veterans

Did your military tour run between Sept. 1945 thru Dec. 1991? The period know asthe "Cold War", it was an undeclared war; a battle to help stop the spread of Communism.

The Soviet Union and the United States both built large military complexes, and very large stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Each side trying to outdo the other.

The US had military spread around the world, ground forces just a few miles fromCommunists forces. SAC bombers in the air 24/7, ships at sea, and under the oceansurface. Missile silos manned and ready.

The Soviets followed suit with bombers, ships and submarines, ground troops andtheir missile sites. They were never very far from where the US forces were.

The Soviet Union finally began to fall apart; their captive nations wanted independence, they were spending so much money on their military the economy beganto faltr.

The Berlin Wall built by the Soviet Union started construction on August 13, 1961 to contain the citizens of East Germany within their control, and prevent them fromgaining freedom in West Germany. On November 8, 1989 the check points were openedand German citizens from both sides began to demolish the wall.

German unification was finally was finally concluded on Oct. 3, 1990 and with oneGermany the Soviet Union was suffering badly as internal problems continued.

Finally on Dec. 25, 1991 Gorbachev resigned and declared the Soviet Union extinct.Bringing an end to the Cold War.

Now our Veterans Service Organization, The American Cold War Veterans, dedicated tothe history of the Cold War, and attempting to preserve and make the public awareof what happened and why; are asking for your help.

We are attempting to convince Congress to authorize and direct the Department ofDefense to issue a Cold War Service Medal to those who served during this tryingand stressful era. We are also working towards the establishment and building ofa memorial dedicated to the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War. Another goal isa National Day of Remembrance for the Cold War.

We need the help of everyone to accomplish this goal. We are asking that youjcontact your elected officals, ask them to introduce legislation, or become a cosponser, that would establish a Cold War Service Medal.

Please visit our webite at www.americancoldwarveterans.org and you can alsosee our message forum at http://americancoldwarvets.aimoo.com/

Many lives were lost during the Cold War, which included Korea, Vietnam, Congo,Haiti, Dominican Republic, Panama. Our planes were shot from the sky by Communist forces, our ships were attacked, and two submarines sank with all hands on board.

It is to honor all those who gave their all, paid the ultimate sacrifice of theirlives to protect our freedom that we are asking for this medal. They deserve thethe recognition, and it is way past time for them to be remembered.

Forty six years of Cold War, and seventeen years since the end of the Cold War, twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall let this be the year it happens.

Asbestos and the U.S. Navy Cancer risk

Cold War-era Veterans may potentially develop mesothelioma due to the use and presence of asbestos in military applications. Navy vessels posed a high risk prior to the 1970s while military facilities utilized throughout that period also contained high quantities of the mineral. Cold War veterans with mesothelioma symptoms should seek professional medical help to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment for mesothelioma as soon as possible.